Vol. 2, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Background: Sat Kriya Kala represents a foundational concept in Ayurveda that delineates the six progressive stages of disease development. This theoretical framework provides a sequential understanding of pathogenesis, from the initial doshic disturbance to the manifestation of fully developed disease. Unlike modern medicine, which often recognizes diseases at later stages, Ayurveda emphasizes early detection and prevention based on the identification of these stages, thus offering a comprehensive model for predictive, preventive, and personalized healthcare.

Aim: To critically review the concept of Sat Kriya Kala and evaluate its clinical relevance in understanding and managing disease progression.

Objectives: To explore the six stages of disease progression described in Sat Kriya Kala. To identify clinical signs and therapeutic opportunities at each stage. To assess the preventive and prognostic value of Sat Kriya Kala in healthcare. To examine its applicability in the early detection and management of chronic diseases. To suggest integrative approaches combining Ayurveda and modern medicine for disease prevention.

Methods: A detailed literary review was undertaken using classical Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya. Secondary data sources included Ayurvedic commentaries and contemporary scholarly articles. Modern medical literature on disease pathogenesis, early diagnostic approaches, and preventive strategies were reviewed from indexed journals and medical databases. A critical analytical approach was used to elucidate the clinical significance and modern applicability of Sat Kriya Kala.

Results: The six stages of Sat Kriya Kala—Sanchaya (accumulation), Prakopa (aggravation), Prasara (spread), Sthanasamshraya (localization), Vyakti (manifestation), and Bheda (complication)—map the entire course of disease evolution. Early stages correspond to subclinical and reversible phases, where preventive interventions can halt progression. The model provides a structured pathway for detecting imbalances before disease onset, aiding in timely therapeutic actions. This framework parallels the modern concept of disease progression, risk assessment, and staged intervention strategies.

Conclusion: The Sat Kriya Kala framework offers a predictive and preventive model of healthcare rooted in Ayurvedic principles. Understanding these six stages enhances early diagnosis, personalized intervention, and comprehensive disease management. Integrating this framework with modern medical diagnostics could enrich approaches to preventive medicine and chronic disease control ^[1].